International Derby Day For U18 Championship

The second day of the championship was more an international derby day. Austria played Germany while England played Scotland and Finland met Denmark.

From Group A Germany got by Austria after a strong final quarter (21-10) to win (62-47). And Luxembourg with Jil Haentges 29 points and 19 rebounds beat Switzerland (68-54).

In the final quarter Estonia came from behind to topple Portugal (58-53) with Kerttu Jallai doing most of the damage with 21 points. Macedonia were not able to make it two out of two. Their game went once again to the wire as the teams were tight (76-76) with 1:54 to play. But Macedonia were unable to score again leaving Naama Shafi to see Israel through to win (80-76).

Group C saw The Netherlands open their championship with a hard fought victory against pre-tournament promotion candidate Hungary (72-69). In the all Nordic derby Denmark based their victory by playing half-court press for three quarters of the match and with Ida Preetzmann (27 points) could celebrate their first victory (71-65).

In Group D Belgium struggled to win against a high spirited Irish team (72-65) led by Clare Rockall‘s 20 points. The England-Scotland derby saw England get their first victory (70-60) in a typical physical battle. England were led offensively by Katrin Chiemeka who scored 17 points. But her performance in defence put the key to England’s victory.